December 14, 2020

Management students at Medicine Hat College (MHC) have found themselves pivoting in a number of ways, adapting their business ventures in response to feedback and shifting their presentations to an online platform.

Still, the students proved to be innovative entrepreneurs pitching 14 unique business ideas to their classmates and a judging panel over the course of two presentation sessions. The teams presented their ideas numerous times throughout the semester to industry experts for feedback and learning opportunities in preparation for the final pitch that occurred on Dec. 4.

A total of $1000 in cash prizes, sponsored by Paradise Valley Golf Course, was awarded to the first and second place teams in both groups.

Friday’s winning teams included Accident Prevention System who won first place and $350, Autonomous Bar Scale took home second place and $150, Creative Bamboo Cutlery won third place, and PurTech Bomb Laundry received honorable mention for most feasible idea.

Monday’s session saw Planteteers take home first place and $350, First Choice earn second place and $150, Dairy Twisters in third place, and Stream Come True was recognized as the most innovative idea.

Miranda Davies, instructor of the Management 270 course, acknowledges the support of the community in playing an important role in the project and recognizes the cash-prize component as additional incentive for student success.

“Six judges were tasked with making the difficult decision as to who gets first, second, and third place, recognizing that each of the teams worked really hard on their ventures and are deserving of the accolades.”

The judging panel included Ryan Jackson, owner of Rameco Consulting and the Canadian GM of Folium Biosciences, Barbara Mitchell, institutional planning lead (MHC), Mark Keller, executive director of Advancement & Community Relations (MHC), Vicky Roy, vice-president academic and provost (MHC), Gregg Scott, senior business analyst for Community Futures Entre-Corp, and Wesley Paterson, corporate training officer with MHC’s Continuing Studies. All judges shared valuable feedback while challenging the presenters with an on-the-spot question geared to make them think outside of their business plan.

“We also are very grateful for the financial support of Paradise Valley Golf Course, as well as our ‘Resident Dragons’ who are members of the community that have donated hours and hours of their time engaging with our students providing invaluable insight and mentorship as they develop their ideas,” adds Davies.

“Crystal Metz, owner of Crystal Metz Insurance, Jerri Gainer, branch manager for ATB Financial, John Stroh, technology development advisor for Alberta Innovates, as well as many others have been influential on the student’s success and future as entrepreneurs in our community.”